Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time – Part 2

by Ed Paciencia

In part 2, we will look back at more than 70 buildings that were located in this stretch of road. In addition to the buildings, the two railroads that cross South Division, as well as Plaster Creek, will be discussed.

This part of South Division was home to several factories that produced a variety of civilian goods during peace time, and a few that produced goods for the military during World War II. There were a few furniture manufacturers that got their start on this part of South Division and went on to become some of the biggest furniture names in the country.

One of these took place at night and was so intense; the red glow could be seen from Reed City. Other significant events that took place were bombings that were a result of labor disputes, and a bank robbery that was said to be the biggest one in Grand Rapids history at the time.

There were a lot of “firsts” that took place here as well. One of these was a laundry company that was so good at what it did, people from other parts of the country sent their cloths and rugs to them for cleaning. This same business was also the first in Grand Rapids to use an adding machine, which local bankers came to see how it was used before buying their own. The local furniture manufacturers built their bureau drawers based on how this laundry folded its shirts.

This part of Division wasn’t all commercial buildings, there were several houses located throughout this stretch. One of these was a house that was said to be “one of the finest in the city” back when it was built in the 1840’s. 90 years later, this same house was used for an advertising campaign that was intended to show people how inexpensive it was to fix up their houses during the Great Depression with some paint and varnish. Believe it or not, this event lasted for three months and began with a parade down South Division.

Part 2 also includes a look back at Campau Park’s glory days and Antoine Campau’s house that was located there. The park today is nothing like it was a hundred years ago.

Further down Division is a part of the street known as Burton Heights. At one time, this area was almost like a city of its own. With a variety of stores, restaurants, doctors, dentists, and a movie theatre, they often held their own special events, sidewalk sales, and celebrations.

There is a little bit of history from Alger to 28 th Street, but not as much as the rest of the street, as this part of town wasn’t really developed until the 1940’s. The oldest thing in this stretch was a toll house which was torn down long ago.

“Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time – Part 2”, Thursday, January 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m., presented byEd Paciencia.